Eat & Drink

Compiled by Hillary Haenes

Darci Atkinson started working at the Buena Vista Elementary's Edible Schoolyard in February 2011, when the property adjacent to the school was still just a dirt plot. During the next several months, the kitchen and garden were built, and the Edible Schoolyard opened that fall.

Atkinson, the 52-year-old kitchen manager at the Edible Schoolyard, teaches the elementary school students how to prepare food they have grown in the garden, as well as how to eat healthy and seasonal foods.

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Spring panzanella

This is a perfect spring salad with crisp asparagus, croutons and spicy arugula. Add a few red and yellow grape tomatoes in the summertime.

For the croutons:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 baguette, sliced lengthwise

salt and pepper

Directions: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Rub whole cloves of garlic on baguette, then cube the bread into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to sheet pan and bake croutons, stirring once or twice, for about 10 to 15 minutes until crisp.

For the vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1/2 lemon for juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 cup olive oil

salt and pepper

Directions: In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, lemon juice and mustard. Gradually whisk in olive oil, until emulsified, and season with salt and pepper.

For the salad:

3 green onions, sliced thin

1 can cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained

1 pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces, then blanched*

4 cups arugula

salt and pepper

Directions: In a large bowl, combine onions, beans, asparagus and arugula. Add cooled croutons. Pour vinaigrette over salad and toss well. Season with salt and pepper, then enjoy!

To blanch: In a medium pot, add asparagus pieces to boiling water for about one minute, then transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water. Drain and pat dry. Your asparagus should be crisp-tender and bright green.

Related Photos

By Jessica Frey

Foodie Darci Atkinson prepares a spring panzanella salad.

By Jessica Frey

Foodie Darci Atkinson prepares a spring panzanella salad.

By Jessica Frey

Foodie Darci Atkinson prepares a spring panzanella salad.

By Jessica Frey

Foodie Darci Atkinson prepares a spring panzanella salad.

By Jessica Frey

Foodie Darci Atkinson prepares a spring panzanella salad.

She enjoys showing the children how to prepare and cook nutritious foods, she said -- something that is very important to her.

"It is not only important, but necessary, for children to learn how to prepare nutritious meals. Childhood obesity is rampant, so we must be diligent with our diets," Atkinson said. "Our program encourages young children to eat seasonal and healthy foods. The students share their skills and knowledge at home with family and friends creating a ripple effect throughout the community."

When I developed an interest in cooking: Many years ago, I took a course at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, Calif. I loved the energy I found in the kitchen.

How I find inspiration to create a new dish: Inspiration comes from the seasonal ingredients that are available.

One of my cooking secrets: Keep everything as fresh as possible.

An ingredient that I love to use in my recipes: Olive oil -- it's healthy, delicious and a great way to finish a dish.

If I could spend a day with a famous chef, it would be: Julia Child.

Advice I would ask her: What was the hardest decision you ever had to make as a cook?

Tools of the trade

Favorite piece of cooking equipment: My saute pans.

Must-have kitchen tools: A good French knife.

Go-to cookbooks: " The Professional Chef" by the Culinary Institute of America; "The Art of Simple Food" by Alice Waters; I love the New York Times' dining section every Wednesday; and I'm on the web quite often!

Favorite cooking show to watch: I'm a fan of Ina Garten, and I can get pulled into a few episodes of "Chopped," especially when I'm on the treadmill.

Globe-trotting

Favorite cuisine: Mediterranean.

Favorite local restaurant, and my order: I grew up at Mexicali, downtown. I spent Friday nights there with my parents and brother. Great memories. I started with a child's plate (hamburger patty, rice and beans), and graduated to Esther's Delight! Margarita? Yes, blended with salt.

Best food memory: Eleven Madison Park Restaurant in New York City. The food is creative and beautiful, and the service is stellar. This restaurant received three Michelin stars in 2012, and is one of my top five restaurant experiences.

Best culinary destination: There are many! The best so far: Paris. And I'm headed back next month with my daughter for a culinary extravaganza.

Most expensive meal: The French Laundry in Yountville, Calif. Our dinner cost $300 for a nine-course tasting. Perfectly balanced dishes.

A few of my favorite things

Always in the fridge: A variety of cheeses, white wine, and half-and-half for my coffee (I drink it like my grandfather -- light brown).

Favorite finds at the farmers market: Brussels sprouts (on the stalk), cheese and local honey.